Saints linebacker done for the season

The chances of Butler returning appeared remote since he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee and had surgery in June. Yet New Orleans kept the possibility of Butler's return alive by placing him on the club's physically-unable-to-perform list rather than on injured reserve. The window for Butler's return to the active roster closed this week.

Payton says Butler's rehabilitation has gone "extremely well," but the club felt it was best to let Butler continue his rehabilitation rather than risk rushing him back too soon.

Butler was acquired by the Saints as a free agent after starting his career in Dallas, where he played under current Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan.(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)